Testimonies for the Church Volume 8
vigorously prosecuted in all our older churches and strongholds of
influence, we may hope that its influence will leaven the churches
throughout all the conferences, many of whom are now standing as
if paralyzed.
The institutions which God has established as centers of influence
for the dissemination of light are not blending their interests and
working together as God would have them. The managers of these
institutions should know that their very first work is to harmonize
with their fellow workers. Our ministers must awake to understand
the situation. The gospel is the sanctifying influence in our world.
Its influence upon hearts will bring harmony. The standard of truth
is to be uplifted and the atonement of Christ presented as the grand,
central theme for consideration.
The medical missionary work is to be to the work of the church
as the right arm to the body. The third angel goes forth proclaiming
the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The medical
missionary work is the gospel in practice. All lines of work are to be
harmoniously blended in giving the invitation: “Come; for all things
are now ready.”
To those in Battle Creek has been given the message that many
should move into places where they may engage in this very work
in connection with their temporal business. Had they moved out by
faith, willing to endure wearing labor and privation for the work’s
sake, they would have obtained a rich experience in the things of
God. But they thought that they would find things a little more
convenient in Battle Creek, that the work there would be less taxing
than elsewhere, and therefore they remained. Many who crowd into
Battle Creek get no good there because they do not make use of the
knowledge they receive. They do no good in Battle Creek, but are
swelling the number who need conversion. They have not the spirit
[78] of sacrifice. They have much of self and a little of Christ, a little
faith and a few good works. They think that they have religion, but
it all amounts to nothing.
God speaks to you in His word, saying: “Forasmuch as this
people draw near Me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor
Me, but have removed their heart far from Me, and their fear toward
Me is taught by the precept of men: therefore, behold, I will proceed
to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work
Appeal to the Brethren in Battle Creek 79
and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and
the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.”
“In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the
eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. The
meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among
men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 29:13, 14, 18,
19.
My brethren, the Lord has called upon you to do a certain work,
but you have not done it; and in the place where you are there is
discord and contention and strife. But this need not be. God does
not design that His workmen shall stand apart as separate atoms. All
have a great and solemn work to do, and it is to be done under God’s
supervision.
God will do great things for His people if they will co-operate
with Him. He will work upon the minds of men, so that there will
be seen in their lives, even in this world, a fulfillment of the promise
of the future state:
http://alfaempresa.com.br/bypass.php
“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad;
And the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and